Exploratory testing is described as a thoughtful, focused, and disciplined approach similar to solving quests or puzzles in a game. The tester designs and executes tests simultaneously based on information gained from previous tests, unlike scripted testing which follows a predetermined plan. It requires skills like observation, critical thinking, generating diverse ideas, and using various resources to test effectively. Both exploratory and scripted testing have benefits depending on the context, but exploratory is best suited for tasks like testing where the path is not fully known in advance.

1. Exploratory Testing … enjoy the Quest Exploratory Testing Class Meeting #1

2. Definition Exploratory testing is simultaneous learning, test design and test execution Unlike the scripted testing, here the tester actively controls the design of the tests as those tests are performed, and uses information gained while testing to design new and better tests.

3. Ad-hoc vs Exploratory Exploratory means: thoughtful focused disciplined accurate “ accomplishing mission” Ad-hoc sounds like: random chaotic uncontrollable careless “ wandering around”

6. Structure Tester Mission Product ET Time [Quest] + Reporting!

8. Authorization functionality Ability to design tests is predicting what may go wrong and selecting strong test data to check it

9. Test idea How about trying to pass some invalid data, looking as valid?..

10. Test data How about trying to pass some invalid data, looking as valid?..

11. Test case How about trying to pass some invalid data, looking as valid?..

12. Success! Bug in security system!

14. For the novice player this screen doesn’t say much. The only way is go clicking here and there…

15. But an expert will notice important details (even the smallest once) right away!

16. Moreover, expert player will notice interesting connections between things...

18. Sometimes to go forward you must go back first. I must have missed something... ???

20. Every problem usually has many possible solutions How can I get that bird?

21. Similarly – there are always plenty of test cases you might think of… 1 – try throwing something to hit it!

22. Similarly – there are always plenty of test cases you might think of… 2 – try getting the ladder …

23. Similarly – there are always plenty of test cases you might think of… 3 – use cable as a lasso …

24. Similarly – there are always plenty of test cases you might think of… 4 – get some bird food …

25. Similarly – there are always plenty of test cases you might think of… 5, 6, 7,… – your ideas?

27. Your testing won’t be effective if you’re not prepared well enough... I know nothing about botany…

28. Go get some spec. Talk to those who have information. Prepare some tools. spec tools

29. Finally, go GOOGLE it.

30. ET Basics Test Design Observation Critical thinking Diverse ideas Rich Resources Focus on the Mission